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Subaru EyeSight: Autoblog Technology of the Year finalist

Peering out of the top of the windshield of a growing number of Subaru models, looking like a pair of cyborg eyes on either side of the car's rearview mirror, are twin cameras that make up the visible portion of Subaru's high-tech EyeSight system. For 2015, the stereoscopic camera-based system is available on the Forester, Legacy, Impreza and Outback.
These cameras allow Subaru to equip its vehicles with such safety and convenience features as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and pre-collision braking that can slow the car automatically if an imminent accident is detected, even bringing the vehicle to a complete stop.
Subaru has offered EyeSight technology on its vehicles in the United States since the 2013 model year. Newly upgraded for 2015, EyeSight's smaller cameras now see in color and are capable of scanning further ahead and over a wider swath, which means an EyeSight-equipped car will now be able to respond more quickly. That means a higher chance of accident avoidance for 2015, something everyone on the road will surely appreciate.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek PHEV will be company's first plug-in hybrid

Subaru just announced its first-ever plug-in hybrid, and it comes in the form of its third-best-selling car, the Crosstrek. This is actually fitting in a couple of ways. First off, it's a quick-selling vehicle, but also because the Crosstrek was the model used for Subaru's first conventional hybrid, introduced for the 2014 model year. Sadly, the company has yet to reveal photos of the new hybrid, hence our inclusion of photos of the old model. The Crosstrek PHEV will also have a similarity to the Subaru BRZ in the sense that it benefits from Toyota technology. The company said that the hybrid system comes from Toyota. But don't fear, Subaru fans, it's still mated to a flat-four. The crossover will, like many other PHEVs, be capable of driving in full-EV mode and in conventional hybrid mode. The company hasn't announced how much range it will have. Subaru did reveal that the new PHEV is coming soon, with an on-sale date at the end of 2018. As such we should see photos and more details in the near future. While there aren't many plug-in hybrid compact crossovers, there are a few, and they're fairly compelling. The closest competition will be the Kia Niro PHEV, which has a claimed range of 26 miles and a solid 46 mpg when running with the gas engine. It starts at $28,840. Another potential competitor is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which provides 22 miles of electric-only range and a less impressive 25 mpg with the gas engine. The Outlander does boast more cargo space thanks to its bigger body, but also has a higher base price of $35,915. Related Video:

Subaru recalls certain 2017-2019 Impreza and Crosstrek models

Subaru will begin two recalls covering hundreds of thousands of vehicles on December 13 for engine-related issues. The first recall covers 466,205 vehicles and includes 2017-2019 Imprezas and 2018 and 2019 Crosstreks. This recall is for an Engine Control Module that could continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off. That could result in a short circuit and blown fuse. Dealers will update the vehicle's software to fix the issue, and some vehicles may also need their ignition coils replaced. The second recall applies to 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek models totaling 205,000 vehicles. Certain models are equipped with aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation valves that can come apart. If that happens, the separated components could potentially enter the engine and cause a loss of power while driving. Dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve if necessary, unless the separated bits can't be found, in which case the engine will be replaced, free of charge. Owners with affected vehicles can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.